Zucchini
Zucchinis are a variety of summer squash and are a joy to prepare and eat! Their mild flavour pairs well with a huge range of different dishes, making them a versatile and popular summer vegetable. Their high water content means they can be cooked and ‘hidden’ easily, though it also means they can easily go soft and mushy if you’re not careful while cooking.
Zucchinis are members of the cucurbita family, along with cucumbers, pumpkins, squash, and melons. The long, cylindrical fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Although they can grow to up to 1 meter in length and are edible at any size, they are considered the best when harvested between 15-20 centimeters in length. The thin skin and flowers are also edible and delicious!
Zucchinis are low in sugar, fat, and calories, and high in a range of nutrients, minerals and antioxidants. They are also an excellent source of folate and make a healthy addition to any diet!
For more information about zucchinis, check out these useful resources: 12 Health and Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini and How to Cook Zucchini.
Storage & Preparation
Zucchinis should be stored in a cold, dry environment, so keeping them whole in your veggies crisper of your fridge is best. Like most veggies, they are best eaten as close to their harvest of purchase date as possible, but stored well, zucchinis will last for up to 1-2 weeks. Take care to not damage or cut the skin as this will affect their longevity.
Few vegetables are as versatile as zucchini in the kitchen. They can be eaten raw with other veggie sticks or in salads, cooked into soups, bakes or quiches, cut into noodles (also known as zoodles!), roasted with herbs, BBQed on skewers, or baked into cakes. See the recipes below for some inspiration.
RECIPES
Appetizers and Sides
Cheesy Baked Zucchini Bites
These Zucchini Bites are delicious nuggets of savoury goodness! They are golden-brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
https://www.yayforfood.com/recipes/zucchini-bites/
Zucchini Soup
This soup is light, fresh, perfectly creamy (with no dairy), and a delicious way to enjoy the best of zucchini season.
https://downshiftology.com/recipes/zucchini-soup/
Quick & Easy Baked Zucchini
This speedy side dish takes only 3 minutes to prep! Simply zucchini, oil, salt & pepper, and parmesan.
https://www.recipetineats.com/baked-zucchini/
Mains
Crustless Zucchini Quiche
A healthy quiche that is quick to make, delicious served both hot or cold, and uses lots of zucchini.
https://thecookspyjamas.com/crustless-zucchini-quiche/
Stuffed Zucchini
Using medium zucchinis, lemon, thyme, parmesan and pine nuts, this stuffed zucchini dish makes for a light and easy summer dinner.
https://www.loveandlemons.com/stuffed-zucchini-boats/
Puff Pastry Squares with Zucchini, Leek, Tomato & Feta
A quick and easy recipe for that will be popular with kids and adults. Substitute the veggies based on what you have available. Serve with a green salad for a delicious brunch, lunch, or light dinner.
https://thefeedfeed.com/the_midnight_chef/puff-pastry-squares-with-zucchini-tomato-leeks-and-feta
Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles are a healthy, easy & fun way add or replace veggies into cooked pasta, pasta salad, lasagna dishes & more. Learn how to make them here.
https://www.loveandlemons.com/zucchini-noodles/
Zucchini Patties
A delicious, healthy, and easy side dish, main for kids and adults alike! This is a versatile recipe too; try adding other shredded veggies into the mix!
https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/zucchini-patties/
Desserts
Healthy Zucchini Bread
This fluffy zucchini bread recipe is made healthier with whole grains, honey (or maple syrup) and coconut oil instead of butter. It is easily made vegan and/or gluten free (instructions provided).
https://cookieandkate.com/healthy-zucchini-bread-recipe/
